JP2010538763A - Tooth cleaning device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mouthpiece cleaning device, particularly a dental handpiece, which improves portability and operability in use on a dental patient and helps maintain a clean state. The present invention also relates to a preventive angle or profile angle used in combination with the handpiece. In general, a mouth-cleaning device includes a follower angle, including a follower shaft and a profi cup attached to it for rotation, and a handpiece. In general, a handpiece includes a body with a built-in rotation source that couples with the output shaft, which in use is coupled to the driven shaft in the profile angle by the engagement of an angle gear on the output shaft and the driven shaft. To do.

Description

  The present invention relates to a dental instrument, in particular a tooth cleaning and / or polishing tooth cleaning instrument. The invention further relates to a component of a mouth-cleaning device having improved sterilization management, operational efficiency and / or manufacturing efficiency.

<Cross-reference of related applications>
This application is a priority based on US Provisional Application No. 60 / 972,73, filed Sep. 14, 2007, entitled “Mouth Cleaning Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Insist on rights and interests.

<Background technology>
As part of dental hygiene, patients undergo dental polishing from specialists such as dental hygienists during a dental cleaning visit. Professionals such as dental hygienists use cups that contain abrasive paste. Tooth polishing is performed by applying a preventive polishing paste to the teeth using a small rubber cup, commonly referred to as a preventive cup or profi cup. Fill or fill the prophy cup with the preventive abrasive paste and press the filled cup against the tooth surface while the cup is mechanically rotating. The rotational force causes the abrasive paste to swirl across the entire abrasive surface of the tooth.

  The cup is attached to a dental angle called a preventive angle or profi angle. The rotating action is caused by a dental rotating handpiece attached to the profiangle.

  Most dental handpieces used with Profiangle are compressed air driven devices that utilize a compressed air supply found in most dental clinics. These handpieces are relatively simple mechanical turbine devices, which are usually convenient in that they are reusable and can be sterilized by methods such as autoclave, but most electrical devices are sterile. The sterilization effect is not promoted due to the high temperature, high pressure, and wet conditions. However, in order to operate these air-driven handpieces, it is necessary to maintain a state of being connected to the air pipe. Professionals such as dental hygienists often need to move around the patient or reposition the dental handpiece so that the entire patient's teeth can be reached, This may be difficult because there are.

  The present invention relates to a mouthpiece cleaning device, particularly a dental handpiece, which improves portability and operability in use on a dental patient and helps maintain a clean state. The invention also relates to a preventive angle or a prophy angle used with the handpiece.

  Generally, a mouth-cleaning device includes a follower angle, including a driven shaft and a profi cup attached to it for rotation, and a hand piece. In general, a handpiece includes a body with a built-in rotation source that couples with the output shaft, which in use is coupled to the driven shaft in the Profi Angle by meshing the angle gear on the output shaft and the driven shaft, If necessary, it can be easily detached when not in use.

  The profi angle body generally has one axial hole and one angle part, which may be the second body, similar to a conventional angle. The angle body is adapted for attachment to a drive source and is further driven to a first end for attachment to a tooth polishing cup and a second end adapted for coupling with a drive source for rotation. With the shaft attached, it can be adapted to store the drive shaft in a rotatable state through the angle body. This drive shaft is not fixedly stored in the angle body.

  In addition, the angle body may also include other components such as, for example, control circuitry, user controls, indicators, and / or other suitable components. In general operation, the user activates a control to start the rotation source of the output shaft. This causes the output shaft to transmit rotation to the driven shaft via the meshing of the angle gear, and the meshing of the angle gear. Rotates the prophy cup to cause cleaning and / or polishing of the patient's teeth. This rotation source may be, for example, an electric motor. In general, the rotational source is powered by a suitable power source, such as a power storage reservoir, including a portable power source, an external power source, and / or combinations thereof. In general, using removable, non-removable, and rechargeable batteries, electric fuel cells or fuel storage reservoirs, capacitors, external power sources, compressed gas / fluid sources, and / or other suitable power sources or combinations thereof obtain.

  For example, since the dental tool 100 may be portable and disconnected, a battery, capacitor, or other portable power source may be desirable. Portable power sources include zinc batteries, alkaline batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, lithium ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries and other removable or non-removable batteries, capacitors, electric fuel cells or fuel storage reservoirs, and / or Other suitable portable power sources include, but are not limited to. In general, it may be further desirable if the power source is rechargeable and / or easily replaceable.

  In general, portable power sources may be discarded with the handpiece housing or attached to it. In the case of a renewable power source, the charging station can be used so that it can be charged when the appliance is not in use. The charging station may be in a stand where the appliances are placed outside of use, which will be described in detail later.

  From one perspective, it can be said that the oral cavity cleaning device also includes a sleeve. In one embodiment, the sleeve may substantially cover a portion of the handpiece so as to help isolate the handpiece from the work area, for example, the patient's mouth. In general, this can help maintain a clean work environment by reducing contamination of the handpiece due to contact with the patient's mouth and contamination from the handpiece to the patient's mouth. Handpieces may not normally be sterilized by methods such as autoclave due to the sensitivity of components such as portable power sources and / or rotating sources. Furthermore, conditions such as the high temperature, high pressure, and / or high humidity of the autoclave can cause the handpiece to wear out and shorten its service life. Thus, the sleeve can serve as a barrier and can generally be sterilized or replaced prior to patient use.

  In general, the sleeve may have the shape of a hollow shell that substantially encloses the handpiece portion. Also, in general, the sleeve may have a first opening for handpiece insertion and a second opening for coupling the output shaft of the handpiece to the driven shaft of the profile angle. In some embodiments, the sleeve may be shaped along the shape of the handpiece body. This can help to reduce the overall shape size of the present mouth cleaning device and also provide ergonomic benefits to the user. For example, the handpiece body and / or sleeve may be designed to be held securely and securely by the user.

  In general, the sleeve may be composed of one or a combination of sterilizable and reusable materials. Suitable materials include polyetherimide, polycarbonate, acrylic, acetal, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polymers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, metals such as aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, silver, glass fibers and carbon fiber reinforced plastics Composite materials such as, and / or other suitable materials. This material can generally be autoclaved and reused at least a certain number of times in normal usage and sterilization cycles. In one specific embodiment, the sleeve is made from a polyetherimide polymer, such as ULTEM® resin (GEPlastics).

  In some embodiments, the sleeve can include a coating that can remove, prevent, inhibit, or minimize microbial growth, thus minimizing the use of high temperature autoclave processes and harsh chemicals. And the types and quantities of materials useful as a substrate for manufacturing the tool or instrument may be increased.

  These coatings are chemical antimicrobial materials or compounds that are substantially permanent and can be bonded at least for a period of time, such as the service life of the sleeve, or that maintain an antimicrobial effect when applied to the exposed surface of the sleeve utilizing a coating agent Can be included. In one example, the chemical may be welded to the sleeve surface by single or multiple covalent bonds.

  In other embodiments, these coatings contain chemical antibacterial materials or compounds that can be deposited in a non-permanent manner to dissolve, leach, or otherwise deliver the antimicrobial material to a useful area, such as the mouth, during use. May be included.

  In yet other embodiments, the coating may comprise an antimicrobial material that leaches and / or releases the antimicrobial agent upon contact with a moist environment or moisture. These materials can be incorporated into a substrate material used in sleeve manufacture or included in a coating applied to the sleeve exposed surface. The incorporation of these materials is particularly suitable for polymer substrates.

  Chemical antibacterial materials or compounds include a variety of materials including, but not limited to, antibiotics, antifungals, general antibacterial agents, metal ion generating materials, or other materials capable of generating antibacterial effects. obtain. For example, chemical antimicrobial materials or compounds may also be selected to minimize adverse effects or patient discomfort.

  Antimicrobial compounds may include, but are not limited to, antibiotics, quaternary ammonium cations, metal ion sources, triclosan, chlorhexidine, and / or other suitable compounds or mixtures thereof.

  In yet another embodiment, antibacterial activity may be achieved by exploiting the antibacterial properties of a variety of metals, particularly the transfer metals that have little or no effect on humans. Examples can include a source of free silver ions known to have antibacterial effects and little biological impact on humans. The antibacterial activity of metal ions can be determined by, for example, mixing a metal ion source with a material for dental instruments during manufacture, applying a surface by a method such as plasma deposition, an affinity site or by a method such as etching or corona discharge. Includes by loosely complexing the metal ion source by perturbing the surface of the dental appliance to form a binding site, and by depositing the metal on the surface by means such as electroplating, photoreduction, and precipitation Can be generated by a variety of methods. The sleeve surface can then gradually release a free silver ion source during its use that can produce an antimicrobial effect.

  In some embodiments, the metal ion source can be an ion exchange resin. An ion exchange resin is a substance that carries ions to the binding sites on the surface of the material. The ion exchange resin can be impregnated with a specific ionic species having a specific affinity for it. This ion exchange resin can be placed in an environment that contains different ionic species that usually have a higher affinity, so that the impregnated ions will leach into the environment, depending on the ionic species originally present in the environment. Replaced.

  In one embodiment, the sleeve can include an ion exchange resin containing a metal ion source, such as silver. The ion exchange resin containing the metal ion source may include, for example, Alphasan® (Milliken Chemical), a ceramic ion exchange resin based on silver-containing zirconium phosphate. This ion exchange resin can be applied to the sleeve or incorporated into the sleeve material.

  In another embodiment, the sleeve may be made from natural plant material, natural material coating, or mixtures thereof that have an inherent antimicrobial effect. The material includes materials such as bamboo which are considered to have antibacterial activity due to some novel chitin-binding peptides.

  The sleeve may be coupled to the handpiece by a coupling to the handpiece, such as a threading plate, a friction coupling, a snap coupling, and / or other suitable coupling.

  In some embodiments, the sleeve snaps to the handpiece. Thus, the sleeve and handpiece may have a corresponding mechanism or structure to ensure that the sleeve snaps into the handpiece. The snap-on coupler can be substantially restored to its original state so that the sleeve can be attached, used, removed, and sterilized for subsequent use and is also reusable. Snap coupling mechanism or structure may include corresponding peaks and valleys, corresponding irregularities, corresponding ridges and depressions, flexible snap arms and depressions, and / or other suitable snap coupling mechanisms or structures, or These combinations may be included, but are not limited to these.

  Most disposable profile angles, especially those on the market, include both an input shaft and a driven shaft coupled to the input shaft, and this input shaft rotates the driven shaft in conjunction with the meshing of the gears. It is adapted to couple to the output shaft of the handpiece via this input shaft and chuck. This additional shaft component of the Profiangle is generally disposable for each patient, so this Profiangle disposable increases not only the amount of waste, but also holds both shafts within the Profiangle body even when not in use Therefore, the specific aspect of the X structure is complicated. This is not environmentally sound.

  In the present invention, as described above, the output shaft and the output gear are installed on the handpiece. In one specific embodiment of the invention, the handpiece includes an output shaft and an output gear, both of which remain on the handpiece and are reusable. Therefore, the profi angle used with this handpiece is used for the profi angle because it is made with only one driven shaft adapted to couple with the output gear of the handpiece for operation, such as gear teeth Not only is the material reduced and it is environmentally friendly, but the design aspect is simplified because it is not necessary to hold the input shaft at the profile angle when not in use.

  As described above, this angle has a first body having one first axial hole and a second body having one second axial hole, and this second body has an angle in the first body. Thus, it is coupled to the first body and the two axial holes communicate with each other. The first body may be adapted for attachment to the handpiece, and the second body may be adapted for retractably storing the driven shaft therethrough.

  In one embodiment, the angle can be about 90 °, and in another embodiment, the angle can be acute. In yet another embodiment, the angle can be obtuse.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the output shaft includes a drive gear portion and a drive shaft portion, the gear portion including a substantially vertical surface, e.g., a lateral surface having a shape that projects perpendicularly from the lateral surface, Furthermore, this gear part can be arranged around it. In one embodiment, the protruding shape can be a pin shape or a bullet shape. In one embodiment, a crown gear having gear teeth that project at right angles from the lateral surface, rather than generally lying on the plane of the gear.

  The driven shaft also includes a driven gear disposed within the angle body, including a driven gear portion and a driven shaft portion, the first end of the driven shaft portion ending with the driven gear portion, The two ends are coupled to the profi cup, and the gear portion includes a substantially horizontal surface having a structure formed around the surface and may further include a recess. The recess in the driven gear portion may include a plurality of spaced apart teeth for meshing with the protruding portion of the drive gear during operation. One example is a pin gear having a plurality of pin-shaped teeth that are generally aligned parallel to the gear axis. The crown gear and the pin gear mesh well.

  Other examples of gears may include spur gears, bevel gears, and other gears.

  In order to operate properly, the gears of the output shaft and the driven shaft need to be meshed with proper tooth contact. Since both the output shaft and the driven shaft are freely rotatable, they may not be placed in a particular position when the profile angle is coupled to the handpiece. Thus, the mouth-mouth cleaning implement may incorporate a mechanism that ensures correct tooth contact of the output gear and driven shaft teeth. Proper tooth contact ensures stable attachment during use and easy removal when not in use.

  In specific embodiments, the output shaft and / or output gear of the handpiece is spring loaded. The spring can bias the output shaft and / or output gear distally, but may also allow movement in the proximal direction. For example, even if the initial tooth contact position of the output gear and the tooth of the driven shaft deviates and does not mesh, such as the tooth apex for each gear butt, the output gear can move proximally so that the Profi Angle can be attached. is there. Thereafter, when the output shaft is rotated, the teeth of the driven shaft are correctly meshed so that the driven shaft is operated at the time of correct tooth contact, so that the output gear can be biased distally by a spring.

  In some embodiments, the output gear may be spring loaded on the output shaft. In other embodiments, the output shaft may be spring loaded on its connection to the rotation source. This may be desirable to reduce the possibility of the output gear shifting because the connection between the output gear and output shaft is loose at the spring load position.

  In some embodiments, the sleeve may include a structure to help correct alignment of the output shaft and the driven shaft.

  A profiangle is provided for use with the handpiece, the profiangle having a body adapted to be coupled to the body of the handpiece and / or sleeve. The profile angle may be coupled to the handpiece and / or sleeve by a coupling, such as a threading plate, a friction coupling, a snap coupling, and / or other suitable coupling.

  In some embodiments, the profile angle is snapped onto the sleeve. Thus, the profile angle and sleeve may have a corresponding mechanism or structure to ensure that the profile angle snaps into the sleeve. The snap-on coupler can be substantially returned to its original state and reusable so that it can be removed for disposal. Snap coupling mechanism or structure may include corresponding peaks and valleys, corresponding irregularities, corresponding ridges and depressions, flexible snap arms and depressions, and / or other suitable snap coupling mechanisms or structures, or These combinations may be included, but are not limited to these. The Profiangle snap-on connection can also serve to reinforce the sleeve connector to the handpiece, for example by tightening around the sleeve at the snap-on connection location between the sleeve and the handpiece. This may be desirable as it may help to prevent the sleeve from accidentally coming off the handpiece during operation.

  In another aspect, the follower shaft and output gear of the handpiece include a plurality of bearing surfaces. The bearing surface can help maintain correct alignment and spacing between the output gear and the driven shaft, which can help reduce unwanted friction between the output gear and the driven shaft. In general, this may be desirable because the bearing surface between the output gear and the driven shaft has a minimum surface area and / or they slide in parallel rather than antiparallel in the contact surface. Thus, this may reduce contact surface friction and thus may help improve performance during operation and / or prevent the profile and / or prevent the handpiece from overheating. In some embodiments, the contact surface occurs only on one side in the center of the output gear.

  In some aspects, the bearing surfaces of the driven gear and the output gear may include a matching mechanism and / or a matching structure. In general, a non-conforming profile angle, for example, may not work properly and / or cause damage to the hand piece, so it may be desirable to ensure the use of a profile angle that matches the hand piece. unknown. Examples of matching mechanisms may include at least one component of a protrusion and groove, a recess or valley connection, a channel connection, and variations thereof. These mating connections allow the handpiece and angle to be easily disconnected and attached accurately.

  In one embodiment, the gear portion of the output shaft may include a substantially vertical surface having a plurality of protrusions thereon. The driven shaft portion may include a substantially vertical portion adjacent to the gear portion and defining a plurality of depressions therein. In one aspect, the protrusions can be included on the tooth surfaces of the output gear that can mesh with the corresponding grooves of the adaptable profile angle driven shaft.

  In some embodiments, the conforming mechanism and / or conforming structure may also include for substantially disabling the mismatched profile angle and handpiece for safety and comfort. For example, a rotation stop mechanism and / or rotation stop structure may be included so that the rotation of the drive shaft and / or the driven shaft can be stopped when the handpiece is used with a non-conforming profile angle.

  In another aspect, the profile angle maintains the driven shaft independent of the drive shaft, unlike the conventional profile angle, where both the drive shaft and the driven shaft are housed in the angle and are difficult to separate and separate. Mechanism and / or structure. In some embodiments, the driven shaft may include at least a portion of a circumferential platform around the driven shaft that may be held within the body by a prong angle body protrusion. The protrusion may be connected by a hinge so that the driven shaft can be freely inserted, and the protrusion connected by the hinge can be inserted to hold the driven shaft. In other embodiments, the driven shaft may include a circumferential platform having at least one notch. The profi angle body may include a protrusion that can be clicked through the notch portion of the platform while the driven shaft is inserted into the profi angle body. In general, the protrusion can be larger than the notch so that the notch can deform as the protrusion passes through with a click.

  In some embodiments, if a sleeve is used, additional features can be formed on the angle and sleeve to add reliable connectivity.

  The cup has a distal end adapted for containing a prophylactic agent and a proximal end adapted for attachment to one shaft portion of the driven shaft. In one embodiment, the cup attachment may be mechanical. In another embodiment, the cup can be integrally formed with the shaft portion. In one view, it can be said that the proximal end of the cup has a circumferential area larger than the shaft portion, to which it is attached and can be overmolded at one end of the shaft portion. Another view is that the proximal end of the cup has a smaller circumferential area than the shaft portion, and another view is that the proximal end has a circumferential region of the same size as the shaft portion. I can say that. There may be a variety of structures adapted to improve the attachment between the cup and the shaft portion in the portion of the shaft portion covered by the proximal end of the cup.

  In some embodiments, the mouth-mouth cleaning device also includes a foot pedal for controlling the handpiece. The foot pedal can be connected to communicate with the handpiece and can further include at least one sensitive control for starting and stopping the rotation source of the handpiece. The connection between the foot pedal and the handpiece may be wired or wireless. In wireless embodiments, the foot pedal may utilize a suitable wireless connection, eg, for wireless / microwave transmission, optical transmission / IR transmission, ultrasonic transmission, and / or other suitable wireless connections. . The foot pedal and handpiece may also include a synchronization system such that a particular foot pedal is associated with a particular handpiece that helps to prevent crosstalk and / or accidental starting and stopping of other handpieces.

  In one embodiment, the prophy handpiece may also be equipped with a self-contained preventive drug dispensing system. In general, the cup includes one opening for the preventive drug to flow.

  Furthermore, the mouth-cleaning device can include a base station. The base station may serve as a handpiece charger, for example. Thus, the base station may charge the handpiece by any suitable method including, but not limited to, inductive charging, contact charging, and / or other suitable charging methods. Inductive charging may be desirable because it does not require direct electrical contacts that can be corroded or blocked. In specific embodiments, the base station may include at least one coil that inductively couples to the coil of the handpiece body to charge the portable power source of the handpiece.

  The present invention, together with the above and other advantages, will be better understood with reference to the following details and specific drawings of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a mouth-mouth cleaning device of the present invention. FIG. 1a is an exploded view of the mouthpiece cleaning device of FIG. FIG. 1b is an enlarged view of the distal end of the handpiece of a mouth-cleaning device. FIG. 1c is an enlarged view of the proximal end of the prophy angle of the mouth-mouth cleaning device. 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, and 1h are a top view, a bottom view, a front view, and a rear view of the handpiece with a sleeve attached thereto, respectively. 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, and 1h are a top view, a bottom view, a front view, and a rear view of the handpiece with a sleeve attached thereto, respectively. 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, and 1h are a top view, a bottom view, a front view, and a rear view of the handpiece with a sleeve attached thereto, respectively. 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, and 1h are a top view, a bottom view, a front view, and a rear view of the handpiece with a sleeve attached thereto, respectively. 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, and 1h are a top view, a bottom view, a front view, and a rear view of the handpiece with a sleeve attached thereto, respectively. 1i, 1j, 1k, 1l, and 1m are a top view, a bottom view, a front view, and a rear view, respectively, of the handpiece without a sleeve attached. 1i, 1j, 1k, 1l, and 1m are a top view, a bottom view, a front view, and a rear view, respectively, of the handpiece without a sleeve attached. 1i, 1j, 1k, 1l, and 1m are a top view, a bottom view, a front view, and a rear view, respectively, of the handpiece without a sleeve attached. 1i, 1j, 1k, 1l, and 1m are a top view, a bottom view, a front view, and a rear view, respectively, of the handpiece without a sleeve attached. 1i, 1j, 1k, 1l, and 1m are a top view, a bottom view, a front view, and a rear view, respectively, of the handpiece without a sleeve attached. 1n, 1o, 1p, 1q, and 1r are a top view, a bottom view, a front view, a side view, and a rear view of the sleeve, respectively. 1n, 1o, 1p, 1q, and 1r are a top view, a bottom view, a front view, a side view, and a rear view of the sleeve, respectively. 1n, 1o, 1p, 1q, and 1r are a top view, a bottom view, a front view, a side view, and a rear view of the sleeve, respectively. 1n, 1o, 1p, 1q, and 1r are a top view, a bottom view, a front view, a side view, and a rear view of the sleeve, respectively. 1n, 1o, 1p, 1q, and 1r are a top view, a bottom view, a front view, a side view, and a rear view of the sleeve, respectively. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the internal components of the handpiece. 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3f-1, 3g, and 3h are embodiments of the present invention illustrating the joining of the output gear of the handpiece and the profile angle. 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3f-1, 3g, and 3h are embodiments of the present invention illustrating the joining of the output gear of the handpiece and the profile angle. 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3f-1, 3g, and 3h are embodiments of the present invention illustrating the joining of the output gear of the handpiece and the profile angle. 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3f-1, 3g, and 3h are embodiments of the present invention illustrating the joining of the output gear of the handpiece and the profile angle. 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3f-1, 3g, and 3h are embodiments of the present invention illustrating the joining of the output gear of the handpiece and the profile angle. 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3f-1, 3g, and 3h are embodiments of the present invention illustrating the joining of the output gear of the handpiece and the profile angle. 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3f-1, 3g, and 3h are embodiments of the present invention illustrating the joining of the output gear of the handpiece and the profile angle. 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3f-1, 3g, and 3h are embodiments of the present invention illustrating the joining of the output gear of the handpiece and the profile angle. 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3f-1, 3g, and 3h are embodiments of the present invention illustrating the joining of the output gear of the handpiece and the profile angle. 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3f-1, 3g, and 3h are embodiments of the present invention illustrating the joining of the output gear of the handpiece and the profile angle. 4, 4a, and 4b are configuration diagrams illustrating a profile angle that has a protrusion that holds a driven shaft and is connected by a hinge. 4, 4a, and 4b are configuration diagrams illustrating a profile angle that has a protrusion that holds a driven shaft and is connected by a hinge. 4, 4a, and 4b are configuration diagrams illustrating a profile angle that has a protrusion that holds a driven shaft and is connected by a hinge. 5, 5a, 5b, and 5c are configuration diagrams illustrating the profile angle in a state where the driven shaft is held by clicking with a click. 5, 5a, 5b, and 5c are configuration diagrams illustrating the profile angle in a state where the driven shaft is held by clicking with a click. 5, 5a, 5b, and 5c are configuration diagrams illustrating the profile angle in a state where the driven shaft is held by clicking with a click. 5, 5a, 5b, and 5c are configuration diagrams illustrating the profile angle in a state where the driven shaft is held by clicking with a click. 6 and 6a are configuration diagrams illustrating a foot pedal of a mouth-cleaning device. 6 and 6a are configuration diagrams illustrating a foot pedal of a mouth-cleaning device. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram illustrating a base station of a mouth-cleaning device. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a proficup coupling mechanism for a profi angle driven shaft according to various embodiments of the present invention.

  The detailed description set forth below is intended to illustrate examples of the device of the present invention presented in accordance with all aspects of the present invention, but represents the only mode of carrying out or utilizing the present invention. It is not intended. However, it is to be understood that these are the same or equivalent functions and components that can be implemented by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

  Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the exemplified methods, devices, and materials are described below. .

  The present invention relates to a mouthpiece cleaning device, particularly a dental handpiece, which improves portability and operability in use on a dental patient and helps maintain a clean state. The present invention also relates to a preventive angle or profile angle for use with the handpiece.

  In general, the mouth-mouth cleaning implement includes a hand piece 100 and a profi angle 300 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 1a. In one embodiment, handpiece 100 includes a body 106 having a bottom 101 at proximal end 101 ′ and an output shaft portion 104 at distal end 103. The handpiece 100 further includes a plurality of user controls 108 for start-up and at least one indicator 109, which can be, for example, a power indicator. 1i, 1j, 1k, 1l, and 1m further show a top view, a bottom view, a front view, a side view, and a back view of the handpiece 100, respectively. The bottom 101 may also include a joint 101a, as FIGS. 1e and 1j show. The joint 101a may be utilized to help place the handpiece on the charging base 500, for example as shown in FIG. For example, the joint 101a and the bottom 500 may be entered using substantially corresponding mechanisms and / or structures, such as male and female connectors. In general, the first corresponding mechanism or structure may be higher than the surface of either the bottom 101 or the charging base 500, such as a ridge, mountain, and / or other protrusion, and the second corresponding mechanism or structure. May have depressions on the surface, such as sockets, valleys, depressions, and / or other depressions. In addition, a series of joints may be utilized. The joint 101a can also be another form of fixation mechanism and / or fixation structure, such as, for example, a non-slip pad, an adhesive pad, a magnetic fixation device, and / or other suitable fixation mechanism and / or fixation structure.

  In one aspect, the oral cavity cleaning device also includes a sleeve 200. In one embodiment, sleeve 200, as each of the top, bottom, front, side, and back views of sleeve 200 on handpiece 100 of FIGS. 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, and 1h illustrate. May substantially cover a portion of the handpiece body 106 to help isolate the handpiece 100 from a work area, such as a patient's mouth. In general, this can help maintain a clean work environment by reducing contamination of the handpiece 100 due to contact with the patient's mouth and the propagation of contamination from the handpiece 100 to the patient's mouth. In general, handpiece 100 cannot be sterilized by methods such as autoclaving because of the sensitivity of the components, as the following detailed description shows. Furthermore, conditions such as the high temperature, high pressure, and / or high humidity of the autoclave can cause further wear on the handpiece 100 and shorten its service life.

  Thus, the sleeve 200 can serve as a barrier and can typically be sterilized prior to use on a patient. In general, as the top view, bottom view, front view, side view, and back view of the sleeve 200 in FIGS. 1n, 1o, 1p, 1q, and 1r, respectively, the sleeve 200 is a handpiece. It may have the shape of a hollow shell 206 that substantially surrounds a portion of the body 106. In addition, the sleeve 200 may generally have a first opening 201 for inserting a handpiece, and a second opening 203 for inserting the handpiece 100 and the profile angle 300. In some embodiments, the sleeve 200 can be shaped along the shape of the handpiece body 106. This can reduce the overall shape size of the mouth-cleaning device and can help provide ergonomic benefits to the user. For example, the handpiece body 106 and / or the sleeve 200 may be designed to ensure a comfortable and secure grip for the user. The sleeve 200 may also include features and / or structures 206a inside the hollow shell 206, as FIG. The mechanism and / or structure 206a may help to secure the sleeve 200 on the handpiece body 106, for example. In addition, the mechanism and / or structure 206a may open a space with the sleeve 200 from the surface of the handpiece body 106 and / or reduce impact, for example. The mechanism and / or structure 206a can be, for example, a saddle, a long strip, a pad, and / or other suitable anchoring device, spacer, and / or cushion.

  In general, the sleeve 200 can be fabricated from one or a combination of materials that are sterilizable and reusable. Suitable materials include polyetherimide, polycarbonate, acrylic, acetal, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polymers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, metals such as aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, silver, glass fiber and carbon fiber reinforced plastics, etc. Composite materials, and / or other suitable materials. This material can generally be autoclaved and reused at least a certain number of times in normal usage and sterilization cycles. In one specific embodiment, the sleeve is made from a polyetherimide polymer, such as ULTEM® resin (GE Plastics).

  The handpiece body 106 may be composed of materials similar to those used to manufacture the sleeve 200, as well as other materials that cannot be sterilized or autoclaved.

  In some embodiments, the sleeve 200 and / or handpiece 100 has a coating that can remove, prevent, inhibit, or minimize microbial growth to minimize high temperature autoclave processes or the use of strong chemicals. As a result, the types and quantities of materials useful as a substrate for manufacturing the tool or instrument can be increased.

  As mentioned above, this coating is a chemical that is substantially permanent, can be bonded at least for a period of time, such as the service life of the sleeve, or maintains antibacterial effects when applied to the exposed surface of the sleeve utilizing a coating agent. It may contain antimicrobial materials or compounds. In one example, the chemical may be welded to the sleeve surface by a covalent bond.

  These covalently bonded materials can act to minimize microbial growth in the sleeve or handpiece, tongue scraper 11, either disposable or reusable. In addition, any microorganisms that may adhere to the material can be destroyed by interaction with the coating. For example, quaternary ammonium cations such as N-alkyl-pyridiniums can be used as antimicrobial moieties within covalently bonded polymer surface coatings. In one embodiment, poly (4-vinyl-N-hexylpyridinium) (N-alkylated-PVP) is characterized by having an optimal alkyl side chain length for antimicrobial activity. The side chain length of the alkyl group can be various, for example, the carbon length is 0-12 (up to the side chain), 5-7 in other examples. This alkyl side chain can provide greater hydrophobicity to the coating and can facilitate binding to the microbial membrane. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) is also used as a bactericidal coating when bound to the N-alkyl group of the primary amino group and subsequently to the N-methyl group of the secondary and tertiary amino groups. obtain. Increasing the number of cationic groups (permanently charged or charged due to the pH of the system) can promote electrophoretic mechanisms and promote microbial lysis when bound to microbial membranes. The polymer surface coating of covalently bonded quaternary ammonium cations can be used to provide antibacterial properties to the tongue scraper.

  The antimicrobial coating can be covalently attached to its surface in a variety of ways, and these methods disrupt the surface of the sleeve 200 and / or handpiece 100 to create appropriate reactive sites, such as free hydroxyl groups or free amino groups. May include corona discharge, surface etching, hydrolysis, or other methods. This antimicrobial coating can then be synthesized by reacting various precursors with the surface prepared in the sleeve 200 and / or handpiece 100 to form the correct coating. In other cases, silanes may be used as a binder to the complex antimicrobial moiety on the surface of sleeve 200 and / or handpiece 100.

  In other embodiments, the coating comprises a chemical antibacterial material or compound that can be deposited in a non-permanent manner during use to dissolve, leach, or otherwise deliver the antibacterial material to a useful area, such as the mouth. obtain.

  In other embodiments, the coating may include an antimicrobial material that leaches and / or releases the antimicrobial agent upon contact with a moist environment or moisture. These materials can be incorporated into a substrate material used in sleeve manufacture or included in a coating applied to the sleeve exposed surface. The incorporation of these materials is particularly suitable for polymer substrates.

  In addition to the above, chemical antibacterial materials or compounds include a variety of materials including, but not limited to, antibiotics, antifungals, general antibacterial agents, metal ion generating materials, or other materials capable of generating antibacterial effects. Can be included. For example, chemical antimicrobial materials or compounds may also be selected to minimize adverse effects or patient discomfort.

  Antimicrobial compounds may include, but are not limited to, antibiotics, quaternary ammonium cations, metal ion sources, triclosan, chlorhexidine, and / or other suitable compounds or mixtures thereof.

  In yet another embodiment, as indicated above, antimicrobial activity can be achieved by exploiting the antimicrobial properties of various metals, particularly the transfer metals that have little or no effect on humans. Examples can also include a source of free silver ions known to have antibacterial effects and little biological impact on humans. The antibacterial activity of metal ions can be determined by, for example, mixing a metal ion source with a material for dental instruments during manufacture, applying a surface by a method such as plasma deposition, an affinity site or by a method such as etching or corona discharge. Includes loosely complexing the metal ion source by perturbing the surface of the dental instrument to form a binding site, and by depositing the metal on the surface by means such as electroplating, photoreduction, and precipitation Can be generated by a variety of methods. The sleeve surface can then be gradually released during use with a free silver ion source capable of producing an antimicrobial effect.

  In some embodiments, the metal ion source can be an ion exchange resin. An ion exchange resin is a substance that carries ions to the binding sites on the surface of the material. The ion exchange resin may be impregnated with a specific ionic species having a specific affinity for it. This ion exchange resin can generally be placed in an environment containing different ionic species with higher affinity so that the impregnated ions leached into the environment and replaced by the ionic species originally present in the environment. Can be.

  In one embodiment, the sleeve can include an ion exchange resin containing a metal ion source, such as silver. The ion exchange resin containing the metal ion source may include, for example, Alphasan® (Milliken Chemical), a ceramic ion exchange resin based on silver-containing zirconium phosphate. This ion exchange resin can be applied to the sleeve or incorporated into the sleeve material.

  In yet another embodiment, as also indicated above, natural plant materials such as bamboo having an antibacterial effect may be used to manufacture the sleeve 200 and / or handpiece 100. These plant materials are believed to have an inherent antimicrobial effect. The material, such as bamboo, is some new, including those designated as Pp-AMP 1 and Pp-AMP 2 purified from Japanese bamboo shoots (Phyllostachys pubescens) and having antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria and fungi For chitin-binding peptides, it is believed to have antibacterial activity (Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, Vol. 69 (2005), Vol. 69, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 3, see pp643-645).

  In one view, the plant material can be used for the purpose of manufacturing the sleeve 200 and / or the handpiece 100. Alternatively, the plant material may be incorporated into a polymeric material used to manufacture the sleeve 200 and / or handpiece 100. Alternatively, the natural plant material may be applied as a coating on the surface of the sleeve 200 and / or handpiece 100. In yet another aspect, the coating of natural plant material may be mixed with a coating to improve weldability to the surface of sleeve 200 and / or handpiece 100.

  The sleeve 200 may be coupled to the handpiece 100 by coupling to the handpiece body 106, such as by a threading plate, a friction joint, a snap-on coupling, and / or other suitable coupling.

  In some embodiments, the sleeve 200 snaps to the handpiece 100. FIG. 1 a is an exploded view of the handpiece 100, the sleeve 200, and the profile angle 300. Accordingly, the handpiece 100 and the sleeve 200 can have corresponding mechanisms or structures to ensure that the sleeve 200 snaps into the handpiece 100. The snap-on coupler can also be reused, substantially returned to its original state, so that the sleeve 200 can be installed, used, removed, and sterilized for subsequent use. Snap coupling mechanism or structure may include corresponding peaks and valleys, corresponding irregularities, corresponding ridges and depressions, flexible snap arms and depressions, and / or other suitable snap coupling mechanisms or structures, or These combinations may be included, but are not limited to these.

  For example, the sleeve 200 may be placed over the handpiece 100 so as to reduce substantial rotation of the sleeve 200 relative to the handpiece body 106. In one embodiment, the connection may include a bayonet connection component installed within the sleeve 200 and handpiece body 106. This connection also includes a channel connection, a pin-to-pinhole connection, a latch configured to minimize substantial rotation of the sleeve 200 relative to the handpiece 100 during operation of the handpiece 100 , Clips, and other interconnect structure components. This can also be applied to the connection between the profi angle 300 and the sleeve 200 and / or the handpiece 100.

  FIG. 1 a is an embodiment of a sleeve 200 that includes an anti-rotation notch shape 201 a that can be adjacent to the housing formation 106 a to prevent rotation of the sleeve 200 on the outer periphery of the handpiece 100. FIGS. 1 b and 1 c show an anti-rotation notch shape 305 a of the profi angle 300 that may be adjacent to the sleeve formation 202 a to prevent or minimize rotation of the profi angle 300 on the outer periphery of the sleeve 200. As shown in FIGS. 1n, 1o, 1p, and 1q, the second anti-rotation notch shape 201b can also be utilized to adjoin the housing formation 106b, as shown in FIG. 1h.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 200 includes a plurality of snap coupling arms 205 having a plurality of protrusions 207, while the handpiece 100 includes corresponding grooves 107 on the snap coupling portions 105. The handpiece 100 can be inserted from the opening 201 into the sleeve 200. Then, the protrusion 207 snaps into the groove 107, so that the snap coupling portion 105 and the output shaft portion 104 of the handpiece 100 pass through the opening 203 while the sleeve 200 can be substantially locked to the handpiece 100. When doing so, the snap-in coupling arm 205 may bend. It should be noted that the flexibility of the snap-type coupling arm 205 and the design of the protrusions 207 and the grooves 107 can stably fix the sleeve 200 to the handpiece 100 and help ease the removal of the sleeve 200.

  Generally, the profi angle 300 includes a head portion 302 from which a body 304 and a profi cup 310 extend. In one aspect, the profile angle 300 is adapted to couple to the handpiece body 106 and / or the sleeve 200. Profiangle 300 may be coupled to handpiece 100 and / or sleeve 200 by a coupler, such as a threading plate, a friction coupler, a snap-on coupler, and / or other suitable coupler.

  In some embodiments, the profile angle 300 snaps to the sleeve 200. Accordingly, the profile angle 300 and the sleeve 200 may have corresponding mechanisms or structures to ensure that the profile angle 300 snaps into the sleeve 200. The snap-on coupler can also be substantially restored and reused so that the profile angle 300 can be removed. Snap coupler mechanism or structure includes corresponding peaks and valleys, corresponding irregularities, flexible snap arms and depressions, and / or other suitable snap coupler mechanisms or structures, or combinations thereof However, it is not limited to these. The snap joint of the profi angle 300 may serve to reinforce the joint of the sleeve 200 to the hand piece 100, for example, by tightening around the sleeve at the snap joint location between the sleeve 200 and the hand piece 100. . This may be desirable because it helps to prevent the sleeve 200 from unintentionally coming off the handpiece 100 during operation.

  FIGS. 1 a, 1 b and 1 c show a snap-fit connection between the profi angle 300 and the sleeve 200. The sleeve 200 may include a protrusion 202 that can be clicked through a ridge 307 on the inner surface of the Profit Angle snap-in coupling portion 305. For attachment, the sleeve 200 and handpiece 100 are inserted into the opening 301 of the profi angle 300 until the projection 202 snaps through the ridge 307 and the profi angle 300 can be substantially locked to the sleeve 200. obtain. It should be noted that the flexibility of the snap-in coupling portion 305 and the design of the protrusions 202 and ridges 307 can stably fix the profi angle 300 to the sleeve 200 and help ease the removal of the profi angle 300.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the handpiece 100 stores a rotation source 110 coupled to an output shaft 112. The handpiece 100 may further include other components such as, for example, control circuitry 122, user controls, indicators, and / or other suitable components. These components can be supported by a housing 124 within the handpiece 100. In a typical operation, the user activates the control 108 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 1a to activate the rotation source 110 that rotates the output shaft 112. The rotation source 110 may utilize a transmission 114 that can be used to change the rotational speed produced by the rotation source 110. The transmission 114 can include, for example, a reduction gear mechanism. The rotation source 110 can be, for example, an electric motor. In general, the rotation source 110 is powered by a portable power source 120, such as a battery, a capacitor, and / or combinations thereof. In general, the portable power source 120 can be discarded with the housing 106 of the handpiece 100 or attached thereto.

  In general, the output shaft 112 is coupled to the driven shaft 312 in the profile angle 300 via the output gear 102 as illustrated in FIG. The output shaft 102 transmits the rotation of the output shaft 112 to the driven shaft 312 via the angle gear mesh 102a on the output gear 102 and the angle gear mesh 314a on the driven shaft 312 so that the patient's teeth are cleaned. The prophy cup 310 rotates due to the action and / or the polishing action. In general, the meshing of the gears at the output gear 102 and the driven shaft 312 includes crown gears and spur gears, spur gears to spur gears, crown gears and bevel gears, crown gears to crown gears, helical gears, and other suitable gears. It can be any suitable set of meshing gears, including but not limited to a set of meshing gears.

  Unlike most disposable profile angles, which include both an input shaft and a driven shaft, an input shaft that is coupled to the output shaft of the handpiece via a chuck, and an input shaft that interlocks and rotates the driven shaft by gear meshing. In this embodiment, the output shaft 112 and the output gear 102 are installed on the handpiece 100. As noted above, the additional shaft component of most disposable Profi Angles is not only a waste of Profi Angle Disposal but also a structural identification to hold both shafts within the Profi Angle body even when not in use. Complicate aspects. These have resulted in several elaborate mounting and fixing devices in the prior art angles.

  In one specific embodiment, the handpiece 100 includes an output shaft 112 and an output gear 102, both of which remain on the handpiece 100 and are reusable. The output shaft 112 can be stored in the output shaft portion 104 of the handpiece body 106. Accordingly, the profi angle used in conjunction with the handpiece 100 can only have a driven shaft 312 that is adapted to couple with the output gear 102 of the handpiece 100 for operation, thus reducing the material used and the profile. Since the angle 300 does not need to hold the input shaft, the design mode is also simplified.

  For proper operation, when the angle 300 is coupled or attached to the handpiece 100, the gear mesh 102a of the output gear 102 of the output shaft 112 and the gear mesh 314a of the driven shaft 312 each mesh with the correct tooth contact. There is a need. Since both the output shaft 112 and the driven shaft 312 are freely rotatable, both of these shafts need not be in a particular position when the profi angle 300 is coupled to the handpiece 100. Therefore, the present mouth opening cleaning device may incorporate a mechanism that ensures correct tooth contact of the output gear 102 and the tooth 314a of the driven shaft 312.

  In one specific embodiment, the output shaft 112 and / or the output gear 102 of the handpiece 100 is spring loaded. The spring 116 may bias the driven shaft 112 and / or the output gear 102 distally, but may also allow movement in the proximal direction. For example, even if the initial tooth contact position between the output gear 102 and the tooth 314a of the driven shaft 312 shifts and does not mesh, such as the apex of the tooth for each gear butt, the output gear 102 can be attached so that the profile angle 300 can be attached. Can move proximally. Thereafter, when the output shaft 112 is rotated, the teeth 314a of the driven shaft 312 are correctly meshed so as to operate when the teeth are correctly touched, so that the output gear 102 can be biased distally by the spring 116.

  In some embodiments, the output gear 102 can be spring loaded onto the output shaft 112. In other embodiments, the output shaft 112 may be spring loaded on its connection to the rotation source 110. This may be desirable to reduce the possibility of the output gear 102 being displaced due to the loose connection between the output gear 102 and the output shaft 112 at the spring load position.

  In another aspect, the driven shaft 312 and the output gear 102 of the handpiece 100 include a plurality of bearing surfaces. The bearing surface may help maintain correct alignment and spacing between the output gear 102 and the driven shaft 312 that may help reduce unwanted friction between the output gear 102 and the driven shaft 312. In general, this may be desirable because the bearing surface between the output gear 102 and the driven shaft 312 has a minimal surface area and / or they slide in parallel rather than antiparallel in the contact surface. Accordingly, this can reduce contact surface friction, which can help improve performance during operation and / or prevent overheating of the ProfiAngle 300. In some embodiments, the contact surface occurs only on one side in the center of the output gear 102.

  FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the profile angle 300 and the output gear 102 of the handpiece 100. The output gear 102 includes gear teeth 102a and bearing surface 102b that contact the driven shaft 312 when the bearing surface 314 slides in parallel. As shown, the gear teeth 314 a of the driven shaft 312 can extend from the bearing surface 314. In another embodiment, the gear teeth 314a 'may also extend directly from the driven shaft 312 as shown by the profile angle 300' of FIG. 3a. The output gear 102 may contact the driven shaft 312 via the bearing surfaces 102b and 314 ', or may contact the driven shaft surface 312a together with the output gear surface 102b'.

  In yet another embodiment, as FIG. 3b shows, the profile angle 300 ″ may include a bearing contact 102c extending from the output gear surface 102b ″ of the output gear 102 ′. The driven shaft 312 of the profi angle 300 "may include a bearing groove 312b that may contact the bearing contact 102c of the output gear 102 '. The contact may be a gear tooth 102a of the output gear 102' and a gear tooth of the driven shaft 312. 314a ′ can be used to align the vertical position with the output gear 102 ′ and the driven shaft 312 by the bearing contact 102c and the bearing groove 312b so that the output gear face 102b ″ does not contact the driven shaft 312. Can be set.

  In one specific embodiment, as FIG. 3c shows, the bearing contact 102c contacts only the bearing groove 312b at a portion 102d along only the portion 312c of the bearing groove 312b so that the contacts slide in parallel.

  In another specific embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3d and 3e, the output gear 102 "can include a bearing surface 102c 'that can be supported by the bearing surface 312b' of the driven shaft 312 of the profile angle 300". The bearing may also help to prevent the output gear 102 "from traveling in the distal direction without contacting the driven shaft 312 on the non-bearing surface or minimizing it from occurring.

  Other mechanisms or structures may also be utilized to prevent the output gear from moving in the distal direction, such as a structure in a hole in the profi angle body, as illustrated by structure 304a in FIG. 3h.

  In some aspects, the profile angle and the output gear may include compatible mechanisms and / or structures. In general, it is desirable to ensure the use of a profile angle that is compatible with the handpiece 100, as a mismatched profile angle, for example, may not work properly and / or cause damage to the handpiece. It may be. In some embodiments, the protrusions may be included on the tooth face of the output gear that can mate with corresponding grooves in the adaptable profile follower shaft.

  Figures 3b, 3c, 3d and 3g are embodiments showing that the projection of the output gear fits into the corresponding groove of the driven shaft to help ensure that an adaptable profile angle is used. This protrusion may contact this groove in a specific way that reliably slides in parallel, such as bearing 102c in FIG. 3b and bearing 102c 'in FIG. 3d. This protrusion can also be a non-contacting engagement, such as protrusion 102c "in Figure 3g. A mismatched profile angle can, for example, contact the protrusion in an undesirable manner and cause friction and / or noise. Contact with the protrusions can also result, for example, in that the handpiece does not fit properly in the profi angle.

  In other embodiments, the conforming mechanism and / or conforming structure may also include one for substantially preventing the non-conforming profile angle and handpiece from being used together. For example, it may include a rotation stop mechanism and / or a rotation stop structure that can stop the rotation of the drive shaft and / or the driven shaft when the handpiece is used with a non-conforming profile angle. In one embodiment, the output gear may include a groove, such as the groove 102e of the output gear 102 "of Figures 3d, 3e, and 3f. For example, the groove 102e is loaded with a spring by the output gear 102" and the driven shaft 312. With a semi-cylindrical groove that, when used with a non-conforming profile angle, can lock the non-conforming angle driven shaft 312-1 when used with a non-conforming profile angle. Sometimes there are. As shown in FIG. 3f-1, in the first structure, since there is no bearing surface 102c ′ to contact, the gap 313 can be reduced until the surface of the gear 102 ″ contacts the driven shaft 312-1 of the non-conforming angle. When the gear 102 "rotates, as shown in FIG. 3f, the semi-cylindrical groove 102e of the driven shaft 312-1 is pushed until the spring bias 313a pushes the driven shaft 312-1 into the groove 102e and is locked in place. It can rotate until the curvature matches the surface. Thereby, since rotation is prevented, it can prevent substantially that a nonconforming profile angle is used. Even if the bearings 102c ′ and 312b ′ substantially prevent the output gear 102 ″ from moving distally into the gap 313 and further locking onto the driven shaft 312 in the groove 312b, the profile angle of FIG. A matching profile angle such as 300 "works. It should be noted that, as stated above, the adaptation mechanism can be used with any gear set that meshes appropriately.

  In yet another aspect, the profile angle includes a mechanism and / or structure that holds the driven shaft. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4, 4 a, and 4 b, the driven shaft 312 of the profi angle 300 is about a shaft 312 that can be held in the profi angle body 304 by a protrusion 303 in the head portion 302. It may include at least a portion of a circumferential platform 314 that may also be a bearing surface as described above. The protrusion 303 may be hinged so that the driven shaft 312 can be freely inserted from the opening 308, and the hinged protrusion 303 is a portion 303 a that contacts the platform 314. It can be inserted to hold the driven shaft 312.

  In other embodiments, the driven shaft 312 can include a circumferential platform 314 having at least one notch portion 314b, as shown in the profi angle 300 "of FIGS. 5, 5a, 5b, and 5c. Profiangle head 302 may include a protrusion 320 in opening 308 that can be clicked through notch 314b of platform 314 during insertion of driven shaft 312 into opening 308. In general, protrusion 320 is shown in FIG. The protrusion 320 may be larger than the cutout portion 314b so that the cutout portion 314b deforms so that it can be clicked through, and the portion 314d is easier to allow the protrusion 320 to pass through with a click. An additional cutout portion 314c adjacent to the cutout portion 314b may be included to bend.

  As described above, the cup 310 can be attached to the profi angle 300 or 300 ″ as shown in FIG. 4 or 5 for use in tooth polishing. The cup 310 is provided with a prophylactic agent (not shown). There is a distal end adapted to fit and a proximal end adapted to attach to one shaft portion of the driven shaft 312.

  The cup 310 has a housing formed of an elastic material such as an elastic polymer. The cup 310 is substantially rotationally symmetric about a first longitudinal axis (not shown) and can be coupled to a shaft portion 312 that can be part of a drive mechanism. The cup 310 can be attached to the follower shaft 312 by a variety of attachment methods including, for example, snap-on, one-piece or over-mold attachment methods. The shank 312 may also include some structure or coupling mechanism 510, which is the embodiment illustrated in FIG.

  In one embodiment, the cup 310 may be integrally formed with the driven shaft 312. In one view, it can be said that the proximal end of the cup 310 has a larger circumferential area than the shaft portion 312, as shown in FIG. . In another view, it can be said that the proximal end of the cup 310 has a smaller circumferential area than the shaft portion 312. From another perspective, it can be said that the proximal end has a circumferential region of the same size as the shaft portion 312. There may be a variety of structures adapted to improve the attachment between the cup 310 and the shaft portion 312 in the portion of the shaft portion 312 that is covered by the proximal end of the cup 310. Details of this structure and mechanism are described in co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 376,466, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one specific embodiment of coupling mechanism 510, which coupling mechanism 510 is substantially cylindrical 550 that is substantially coaxial with cup 310 when attached to shaft portion 312. It is. This shaft portion has two portions 510 and 505 having different circumferential regions or diameters. The cylinder 550 may have one diametric cutout 555 that extends partially inwardly from the distal surface 556 of the coupling structure 510 toward the portion 505. In this embodiment, the structure or coupling mechanism may be in the form of an elongated gap when viewed from the end of the shaft portion 312.

  The material used to form the cup 310 can fill this groove structure in embodiments where the cup 310 is overmolded on the shaft portion 312 or in embodiments where the cup 310 is not overmolded, so the cup 310 and the shaft portion 312 The adhesion strength between can be improved.

  The structure, one of which is shown in FIG. 8, improves the bond strength between the cup 310 and the shaft portion 312 in embodiments where the cup 310 is overmolded on the shaft portion 312 or in an embodiment where the cup 310 is not overmolded. Therefore, it provides a wider adhesive surface for the material used to form this cup.

  As used herein, the term “overmolding” means molding the cup 310 around or on the preformed 312 shaft portion. In some embodiments, during molding of the cup 310, portions of the shaft portion 312 that are in contact with the forming material of the cup 310 soften or slightly dissolve so that the materials mix and form a stronger bond. To do. In other embodiments, there is no softening or dissolution of the shaft portion 312 and the cup material simply forms around the structure 510 and / or enters multiple holes in the structure 510. In still other embodiments, both mixing and formation can occur around this structure.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, when the through hole is in this structure, the reinforcing material can enter through the through hole. This reinforcement reinforces the polymer material used in the construction of the cup 310 and further fills the cup 310 with an abrasive paste and maintains the bond between the profi cup 310 and the driven shaft 312 while polishing the teeth. Can help to enhance. In various embodiments, the reinforcement may include organic fibers such as aramid (Kevlar®) fibers, and inorganic fibers such as glass or carbon fibers. In another embodiment, the reinforcement may comprise a solid member of a polymeric material, a metallic material, or other shear resistant material. In yet another embodiment, the reinforcement may include a miniature stranded cable formed of, for example, stainless steel and / or titanium. In yet another embodiment, the lateral reinforcement may include a coupling member, such as a chain of polymer bonds, metal bonds, or other suitable material bonds.

  In one embodiment, the prophy handpiece 300 or 300 ″ may also be equipped with a self-contained prophylactic drug dispensing system. Generally, the cup 310 includes one opening for the flow of the prophylactic drug. Details of the system are described in US Provisional Application No. 60 / 889,733 and US Patent Application No. 2006/0127844, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

  In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 6 a, the mouth cleaning device also includes a foot pedal 400 for controlling the handpiece 100. The foot pedal 400 can be connected to communicate with the handpiece 100 and can further include at least one sensitive control 402 for starting and stopping the rotation source 110 of the handpiece 100. The connection between the foot pedal 400 and the handpiece 100 can be wired or wireless. In a wireless embodiment, the foot pedal 400 may utilize a suitable wireless connection, eg, for wireless / microwave transmission, optical transmission / IR transmission, ultrasonic transmission, and / or other suitable wireless connection. . Foot pedal 400 and handpiece 100 may also include a synchronization system such that a particular foot pedal is associated with a particular handpiece that helps prevent crosstalk and / or accidental starting and stopping of other handpieces. In addition, the foot pedal 400 may include a portable power source, such as a battery that is internal to the foot pedal 400 and can be held in the power supply portion 404. Details of this radio control system are described in co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 417,284, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

  As FIG. 7 shows, the mouth-mouth cleaning implement may further include a base station 500. Base station 500 may serve as a charger for handpiece 100, for example. Accordingly, the base station 500 can include a receptacle 502 for the base portion 101 of the handpiece 100. Accordingly, the base station 500 can charge the handpiece 100 by any suitable method including, but not limited to, inductive charging, contact charging, and / or other suitable charging methods. Inductive charging may be desirable because it does not require direct electrical contacts that can be corroded or blocked. In a specific embodiment, the base station 500 is in a base station body 504 around the receptacle 502 that inductively couples with a coil in the base 101 of the handpiece 100 for charging the handpiece portable power source 120. May include at least one coil. Further, the base station 500 may include a power line 506 that plugs into a power source such as an electrical outlet.

  Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated above, it should be noted that these are specific examples of the invention and should not be considered limiting. Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims (22)

A handpiece having a body housing a source of rotation coupled to an output shaft having a drive shaft portion and a drive gear; the drive gear having a substantially vertical surface and having a structure on the surface; and in the driven shaft Profil angle with one axial hole, the driven shaft including two ends, a first end ending with a driven gear portion and a second end for attaching a profi cup for rotation, the driven shaft portion with structure With
The rotation source is coupled to the driven shaft of the Profi Angle via a structure on the drive gear and driven shaft portion, the structure having a complementary structure for easy removal and accurate attachment of the output shaft and driven shaft Mouth cleaning equipment.   The tooth-mouth cleaning instrument according to claim 1, wherein the complementary structure comprises at least one component of a protrusion and groove, a recess or valley connection, a groove connection, a pin and pinhole connection, and variations thereof. The substantially vertical surface further comprises a structure around the surface, and the gear portion is disposed in the axial hole of the angle, and the gear portion protrudes from the periphery of the surface. Including a horizontal plane
The tooth-gap cleaning instrument according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the structure meshes cooperatively during use.   4. The meshing gear structure comprises a crown gear and a pin gear, a rack gear and a pinion gear, a crown gear and a spur gear, a spur gear to a spur gear, a crown gear to a crown gear, a helical gear, or a modification thereof. Tooth cleaning device described in 1.   The tooth-gap cleaning instrument according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the drive gear is loaded with a spring.   The spring further comprises a spring that biases the actuating gear distally and at the same time is movable proximally to improve the engagement between the driven shaft and the output shaft during coupling of the driven shaft and the output shaft. The mouthpiece cleaning instrument according to 1, 2, 3, or 4.   The tooth-mouth cleaning instrument according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the driven shaft is loaded with a spring.   Furthermore, the mouthpiece cleaning instrument in any one of Claims 1-7 provided with the sleeve which encloses the substantial part of a handpiece main body.   9. The mouthpiece cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein the sleeve includes a structure for coupling to an angle.   10. A tooth cleaning device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the sleeve is coupled to the handpiece body in a manner that prevents rotation. A main body for storing a rotation source coupled to an output shaft having a structure;
Comprising a sleeve substantially surrounding and covering the body portion;
A dental handpiece characterized by said sleeve being coupled to a body having an interconnection structure substantially resisting rotation.   12. The dental of claim 11, wherein the interconnect structure comprises at least one component of a bayonet connection, a channel connection, a pin and pinhole connection, a lock notch connection, and a latch connection. Handpiece tool.   13. Dental according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the output shaft comprises a drive shaft portion and a drive gear and has a structure on a substantially vertical surface of the drive gear for coupling to a profile angle. Hand piece.   The dental handpiece of claim 13, wherein the sleeve comprises a structure for coupling to a profile angle. A driven shaft having a structure along at least a portion of its length for coupling to an output gear of the handpiece, the handpiece having a body and a rotation source built into the body coupled to the output shaft comprising the output gear;
It has a profi cup attached to the driven shaft for its rotation,
Dental profi angle, wherein the structure comprises at least one bearing surface for contacting at least one bearing surface of the main gear in a parallel sliding manner.   16. The dental profile angle according to claim 15, wherein the output gear and the bearing surface of the driven shaft are in contact to substantially prevent the output gear from moving distally.   The dental profile angle according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the output gear includes a surface having at least one protrusion protruding therefrom, and the driven shaft includes a groove corresponding to the protrusion.   18. A dental profi angle according to claim 15, 16, and 17, wherein the profi angle includes a structure for holding a driven shaft independently of an output shaft.   The dental profile angle according to claim 15, 16, 17, and 18, wherein the body has an inner wall, the inner wall comprising a protrusion for holding a driven shaft.   The dental profile angle according to claim 19, wherein the driven shaft includes at least a portion of a circumferential platform around the shaft for mating with a protrusion in the body.   21. A tooth cleaning device according to claim 19 or 20, comprising a circumferential platform having at least one notch for the driven shaft to mate with a protrusion in the body.   The mouthpiece cleaning instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the main body of the handpiece is provided with an antibacterial coating.

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